Jackie Robinson’s 3 Children: Meet Jackie Robinson Jr., David Robinson, Sharon Robinson
Jackie Robinson, born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, United States, was more than just a baseball player. He was a trailblazer, a civil rights activist, and a symbol of resilience and determination. Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947.
His legacy extends beyond the baseball field, influencing generations and changing the course of American history. This article delves into the lives of his three children: Jackie Robinson Jr., David Robinson, and Sharon Robinson, who have carried forward their father’s legacy in their unique ways.
Age & Early Life
Jack Roosevelt Robinson, better known as Jackie, was the youngest of five children born to Mallie and Jerry Robinson. His father left the family shortly after Jackie’s birth, and his mother worked various odd jobs to support her children.
Despite the hardships, Jackie excelled in athletics from a young age and went on to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he became the first athlete to win varsity letters in four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track. He was born on January 31, 1919 and his age was 53 years old at the time of his death.
Personal Life
In 1946, Jackie married Rachel Isum, a nursing student he had met at UCLA. Together, they had three children: Jackie Robinson Jr., David Robinson, and Sharon Robinson. Their marriage was a partnership, with Rachel supporting Jackie through the trials and tribulations of his career and later preserving his legacy through the Robinson Foundation.
Jackie Robinson Jr.
Jackie Robinson Jr., the eldest of the Robinson children, was born in November 1946. Like his father, Jackie Jr. was athletic and shared his father’s love for sports. However, his life took a different turn when he was drafted into the army and sent to Vietnam.
The experiences he had during the war deeply affected him, leading to struggles with drug addiction upon his return home. Despite these challenges, Jackie Jr. worked hard to overcome his addiction and dedicated his life to helping others facing similar struggles. Tragically, Jackie Jr. died in a car accident in 1971, a year before his father’s death.
David Robinson
David Robinson, the second child of Jackie and Rachel Robinson, was born in 1952. Unlike his older brother, David chose a path away from sports. He pursued a career in coffee farming and moved to Tanzania, where he established the Sweet Unity Farms coffee growers’ cooperative.
David’s work focuses on promoting fair trade and providing local farmers with the resources they need to improve their livelihoods. His efforts have had a significant impact on the local community, continuing his father’s legacy of social change.
Sharon Robinson
Sharon Robinson, the youngest of the Robinson children and the only daughter, was born in 1950. She followed in her father’s footsteps by dedicating her life to public service. Sharon is an educational consultant for Major League Baseball and the author of several award-winning books for children and young adults. She also serves on the board of the Jackie Foundation, carrying on her father’s commitment to equal opportunity.
Wife – Rachel Robinson
Rachel Robinson, Jackie’s wife, was not only a supportive partner but also a successful professional in her own right. She was a trained nurse and an assistant professor at the Yale School of Nursing and the director of nursing at the Connecticut Mental Health Center. After Jackie’s death, Rachel founded the Robinson Foundation to honor his memory and continue his work promoting equal opportunity.
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Jackie Robinson’s Kids
| Name | Jack Roosevelt “Jackie” Robinson |
|---|---|
| Born | January 31, 1919 |
| Birthplace | Cairo, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | October 24, 1972, |
| Death Place | Stamford, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Education | University of California, Los Angeles (1939–1941) |
| Spouse | Rachel Robinson (m. 1946–1972) |
| Children | Jackie Robinson Jr., David Robinson, Sharon Robinson |
| Professional Debut | Negro leagues: 1945, for the Kansas City Monarchs; MLB: April 15, 1947, for the Brooklyn Dodgers |
| Last MLB Appearance | October 10, 1956, for the Brooklyn Dodgers |
| Teams | Negro leagues: Kansas City Monarchs (1945); Major League Baseball: Brooklyn Dodgers (1947 – 1956) |
| Hall of Fame | 1962 |
| @jackierobinsonofficial/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Jackie_Robinson |
Baseball Career
Robinson’s journey to Major League Baseball was anything but easy. He faced numerous obstacles and endured relentless racism. Yet, he persevered, displaying extraordinary courage and resilience. His debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 marked the end of racial segregation in professional baseball that had relegated black players to the Negro leagues since the 1880s.
Robinson’s baseball career was marked by exceptional skill and sportsmanship, earning him the inaugural MLB Rookie of the Year Award in 1947, the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1949—the first black player so honored—and six consecutive All-Star Game nominations from 1949 to 1954.
Legacy of Jackie Robinson
Robinson’s legacy extends far beyond his baseball career. He was a trailblazer for racial equality, breaking down barriers both on and off the field. His courage and determination continue to inspire people around the world. In recognition of his contributions to sport and society, Jackie was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation
The Jackie Robinson Foundation, established by Rachel Robinson in 1973, continues Jackie’s commitment to equal opportunity. The foundation provides scholarships and mentoring to minority students, helping them to achieve their academic and leadership potential. Through its work, the foundation carries on Jackie’s legacy of social change.
The lives of Jackie and his children are testaments to the power of resilience, determination, and commitment to social change. Despite the challenges they faced, each member of the Robinson family has made significant contributions to society in their own unique ways. Their stories continue to inspire and remind us of the enduring impact of Jackie Robinson’s legacy.
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